On any given Sunday, any one of the 45 running backs on this list could give a performance typical of the five players in Group A. In fact, almost every one of these backs has done it, with the exception of the two rookies who made the list.

As in the past, I prefer to group players in sections of five, in alphabetical order, so please don't view the last back in Group B as the 10th-best back. There will also be an arrow up (^), down (v) or flat (>) indicating where I think a player might end up at the end of the 2011 season if he stays healthy and plays 16 games.

GROUP A (1-5)

2. Arian Foster, Texans (^): A rising star who did it all in his first season as a starter, finishing first in rushing yards and second in runs of more than 10 yards.

3. Chris Johnson, Titans (>): Johnson was fourth in rushing yards, but fell well short of his prediction to have the greatest rushing season ever. Things could get tough when Jake Locker takes the field and defenses focus on the run game.

4. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (>): The best back in the NFL, but he too could be paired with a rookie quarterback, which spells extra defenders near the line of scrimmage.

5. Michael Turner, Falcons (>): A solid workhorse who finished third in rushing and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns. The Falcons' passing game creates conflicts for defenses and Turner will benefit from a lot of run audibles against two-high safeties. He could have a big year.

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GROUP B (6-10)

1. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs (^): Charles needs the ball even more this year. He led the NFL in explosive runs with 45 (carries of 10-plus yards), and his ratio of 10-plus yard runs to carries was off the charts at 1:5. He averaged 6.4 yards per rush last year.

GROUP C (11-15)

1. Cedric Benson, Bengals (>): A very productive back since joining the Bengals. He will still give you 18-20 carries and 100 yards.

2. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants (^): Bradshaw is explosive, has more power than many think and is a threat as a receiver. He moved into the feature role last season ahead of Brandon Jacobs and had a ratio of 1:8 in 10-yard runs per attempt. He could be a free agent this year.

3. Matt Forte, Bears (>): Forte gets his 1,000 yards behind a questionable line and scares defenses more as a receiver. Not flashy, but really solid in all phases of the game.

4. Frank Gore, 49ers (v): A very physical runner and no one works harder. Gore scored only three touchdowns in 11 games. He still generates a ratio of 1:10 in 10-plus yard runs.

5. Peyton Hillis, Browns (>): Burst onto the scene last year and wound up on the cover of the "Madden" game. He was third among running backs in receptions and tied for sixth in touchdowns.

5B. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (>): Injured last year and only played in six games. Williams rushed for 2,632 yards and 25 touchdowns in the last two full seasons he played (2008-09).

GROUP D (16-20)

1. LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers (^): Hard to believe this undrafted player was released by the Titans and wound up with 1,007 yards in 13 games. He also had 32 runs of 10 yards or more (1:6 ratio per attempt). If he gets 300 carries this year instead of the 201 he had as a rookie, Blount could be a 1,500-yard back.

2. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots (>): He's in the shadow of Tom Brady, but look at his production: Tied for second in rushing touchdowns (13) and rushed for more than 1,000 yards while averaging just 14 carries per game.

3. Brandon Jacobs, Giants (>): A big, power back who had his role reduced to 147 carries. Still, he averaged 5.6 yards per rush and had nine touchdowns. Jacobs averaged a touchdown once every 16 rushes.

GROUP E (21-25)

1. Joseph Addai, Colts (v): Addai has missed 15 starts over the last four years and played just eight games last season. When he's healthy, he is still solid.

2. Jahvid Best, Lions (^): A very dangerous situational player who gets help this year from rookie Mikel Leshoure. Best will still get close to 20 touches per game and should produce like Brian Westbrook used to for the Eagles.

3. Fred Jackson, Bills (>): Jackson plays in the obscurity of Western New York, but was good enough for the Bills to part ways with Lynch.

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5. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers (v): If he can stay healthy, especially with Williams not likely back, Stewart could put up some big numbers.

GROUP G (31-35)

1. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins (v): Teams seeking a backup for 10 carries and a Wildcat role should value Brown. His ability to throw makes him difficult to defend.

2. Felix Jones, Cowboys (>): He never really grabbed the lead role in Dallas. While he has speed and is a factor in the passing attack, it's getting down to a make-or-break situation.

3. Ryan Mathews, Chargers (^): He played in 12 games and had 158 carries as a rookie. If he stays healthy, gets 250 carries at his 4.3-yard average and adds to his seven rushing touchdowns, then he moves up a few groups.

4. Pierre Thomas, Saints (v): Health and the presence of Ingram has changed the landscape for Thomas. He needs a big season.

5. Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers (v): I would want him on my team for his work ethic and how he fought back from injuries. Williams would be perfect in St. Louis backing up Jackson.

3. Ryan Grant, Packers (>): He told me he could have played in the Super Bowl, but being on injured reserve prevented that from happening. Grant is a solid zone-scheme runner who might have to move on to get the work he wants.

'The Top 100: Players of 2011'

The 10-week countdown of the list is complete with Tom Brady taking the No. 1 spot as voted on by the players. Relive the series from start to finish.